New Orleans is famous for its rich culinary scene and unique cultural experiences, especially around lunch time. Whether you’re craving a relaxing river cruise with live jazz, a scenic plantation visit paired with a gourmet meal, or exploring the city’s vibrant street art, the options are as diverse as the city’s music and food. These experiences aren’t just about filling your stomach—they offer a glimpse into the soul of New Orleans, blending history, culture, and flavor in ways that make a meal memorable.
Beyond just stopping for po’boys or gumbo, these top-rated tours provide immersive, often exclusive ways to enjoy your midday break. Some include live jazz on a steamboat, others combine history and sightseeing with fabulous Creole cuisine, and a few elevate your experience with private boat rides and art studio visits. The following list covers a variety of lunch experiences that stand out for their authenticity, uniqueness, and value.
Quick Overview
This list features six of the best lunch experiences in New Orleans, from relaxing river cruises to private plantation tours with gourmet meals. You’ll find options such as Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Lunch, which combines live jazz with breathtaking views, and Creole Queen History Cruise, known for its historical narration and scenic Mississippi River voyage. For those interested in exploring Louisiana’s plantation heritage and swamp life, options like a private airboat ride and plantations tour and the full-day airboat and plantation experience deliver both adventure and authentic Southern cuisine. Lastly, art lovers can enjoy a private street art and gallery tour, which combines creativity with a personalized lunch stop.
1. New Orleans: Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Lunch Option
At number one, the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise offers a relaxing two-hour ride on the Mississippi River with the soulful sounds of live jazz. The boat itself is the real star—being the only authentic steamboat operating in New Orleans, it provides an authentic glimpse of river life from a bygone era. When you add the optional Creole lunch, prepared fresh onboard, your experience becomes even more memorable.
The cruise features the calliope music that’s become synonymous with riverboats, and the meticulously preserved steam engine room offers a fascinating peek at 19th-century engineering. Reviewers love the combination of entertainment and scenery, and the price of $44 per person offers excellent value. The food, if you opt for the lunch, is praised as fresh and flavorful, complementing the tranquil river views. This tour is best suited for those who love live music, history, and a laid-back cruising experience. Consider it a perfect midday escape that’s both immersive and relaxing.
Bottom Line: An authentic steamboat experience with excellent value, live jazz, and optional Creole cuisine make this a top choice for river lovers.
2. New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch
Second on our list is the Creole Queen History Cruise, which combines scenic Mississippi River views with compelling narration about New Orleans’ past. For $47 per person, you get a 2.5-hour guided journey, including stories about the Battle of New Orleans and the city’s landmarks.
The highlight is the chance to visit the battlefield where Andrew Jackson defeated the British—an experience that’s not just educational but also deeply evocative. The cruise features a cash bar so you can sip on New Orleans cocktails while enjoying the scenery. You can add a Creole lunch for an additional cost, which many reviews say “adds to the authentic feel.” The tour’s informative guides and scenic route make it ideal for history buffs or those wanting a leisurely yet educational cruise.
Bottom Line: This cruise offers a well-rounded combination of history, scenic Mississippi River views, and the option for a flavorful Creole meal, making it a solid choice for history enthusiasts.
3. Private Airboat Ride and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
Third, the Private Airboat Ride and Plantations Tour offers a full-day adventure that’s perfect for those who want to see Cajun swamp life and historic plantations in one go. For $3,060 per group (up to 12), this tour is a significant investment but delivers an all-inclusive, personalized experience.
It starts with a thrilling private airboat ride through cypress swamps, where you’ll see alligators and exotic birds—the guides are also alligator hunters, sharing real stories about swamp life. Afterward, visit the famous Houmas House and Laura Plantation, both offering guided tours of well-preserved antebellum homes. The tour includes a gourmet Cajun lunch, making it a culinary highlight, and the private transport ensures a relaxed pace.
The tour appeals most to families and groups who want a comprehensive, private experience of Louisiana’s natural and historic treasures. Be prepared for a long day, but you’ll be rewarded with immersive, authentic encounters.
Bottom Line: For a combination of adventure, wildlife, and culture, this private tour offers a high-end, personalized experience that’s worth the price for those seeking exclusivity.
4. Private Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
Next, the Private Louisiana Plantations Tour combines history and gastronomy in an exclusive, half-day experience. For $2,268 per group (up to 12), you’ll spend about 7.5 hours exploring two iconic plantations with expert guides in period dress.
The tour includes visits to San Francisco Plantation, known for its gothic style and elaborate gingerbread work, and Destrehan Plantation, featuring historic slave quarters and antebellum architecture. The highlight is a gourmet Southern-style lunch at Houmas House, with magnificent views along the Mississippi River. Transportation is included, easing logistics for travelers.
Guests consistently praise the personalized attention and the depth of historical insight provided by guides. The private setting makes it an ideal choice for couples or families wanting a relaxed, informative day with upscale dining.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in historical architecture, genteel Southern cuisine, and a private experience, this tour offers a comprehensive and elegant way to see Louisiana’s plantation history.
5. Private Art and Street Art Tour of New Orleans with Lunch
For those who want to combine art, culture, and local flavor, the Private Art and Street Art Tour offers a 3-4 hour personalized exploration of New Orleans’ creative scene. Priced at $270 per person, this tour takes you through the Arts District, Warehouse District, and French Quarter, where you’ll see murals, galleries, and even some Banksy pieces.
What makes this tour distinctive is the chance to meet artists in their studios and see urban street art that most visitors miss. The tour includes a stop for lunch, making it a convenient way to nourish yourself while soaking in the city’s artistic energy. The guides customize the experience based on your interests, so whether you’re into contemporary street art or classic galleries, it’s tailored to you.
Guests love the personalized attention and the chance to see off-the-beaten-path locations. It’s perfect for art lovers who want a deep dive into New Orleans’ creative heartbeat.
Bottom Line: For a personalized, arts-focused experience with a local touch, this private tour with included lunch is an excellent choice.
6. Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
Finally, the Airboat and Plantations Tour offers a full-day immersion into Cajun and Creole culture. For $255 per person, expect about 9 hours exploring remote swamps and historic plantations with a small-group setting.
The tour kicks off with a scenic drive through sugarcane fields and vast marshes, finishing with a high-speed airboat ride in the Cypress Bayous. Guides share stories about alligators, reptiles, and swamp plants. Afterward, you’ll visit both Laura Plantation and Houmas House, enjoying a gourmet buffet lunch at Houmas House with picturesque views of the Mississippi. The guided tours of each plantation reveal the complex history of slavery and plantation life, with specific stories and artifacts.
Ideal for travelers craving a diverse experience without rushing, this tour balances adventure and education with a focus on authentic local culture.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a long day packed with wildlife, history, and good food, this tour delivers a comprehensive introduction to Louisiana’s natural and historic landscapes.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience
When selecting the best lunch experience in New Orleans, consider your interests and schedule. If you love music and river views, the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise offers a laid-back, musical ride. For a deep dive into plantation history combined with gourmet dining, the private plantation tours and full-day swamp and plantation excursions are excellent.
Those interested in art and local culture will appreciate the private street art tour, which offers a creative perspective on the city. Meanwhile, travelers seeking adventure and wildlife should prioritize the airboat and swamp tour, which combines thrill with education.
Consider your budget, preferred duration, and the type of experience you’re after—whether it’s scenic, historic, artistic, or adventurous. Booking early is wise, especially for private or popular tours, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans’ lunch options go far beyond casual dining—they’re gateways into the city’s soul, offering everything from live jazz on a historic steamboat to intimate visits to lush plantations. For a relaxing river cruise with music, the Steamboat Natchez is hard to beat. If you prefer a history-rich day with gourmet Creole cuisine, the plantation tours are perfect. Art lovers and those craving something different will find the street art tour a truly special experience.
No matter your style or budget, there’s a memorable way to enjoy a true taste of New Orleans’ culture and flavor at midday. Booking in advance will help you secure your preferred time and experience—so get ready to indulge in some of the best lunch experiences this city has to offer.